How a Donation of just $5 Helps Mothers in need

Did you know that 1 in every seven Aussie Mums will suffer from perinatal depression(PND)? There are many risk factors that increase the likelihood of a woman experiencing mental health issues during pregnancy or after birth, including having a premature or sick baby, having no family support or enduring domestic violence. Did you know that teen mums have almost twice the risk of perinatal Depression as older mums? In reality, Perinatal Depression can affect any new parent, male or female, regardless of underlying risk factors.

Ask any mum and she will tell you that being a mother is not an easy job! Even Kate Middleton, recently admitted that with all the help in the world it can still be challenging!

The White Cloud Mums Program is a practical, early intervention service for women with or at risk of perinatal depression. Initially partnering with the Department of Psychology and Social Work at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) to pilot the program, we have been overwhelmed by the number of referrals received. and need your help to ensure we continue to reach mums in need.

We need your help to ensure we continue to reach mums in need. Currently, around 5% of women giving birth at the RBWH are being referred to the White Cloud Mums program for support in the community. That is more than 200 women in the first year!

By providing practical help, delivering 20 nutritionally balanced meals to mothers most at risk and being a support in the community, we aim to prevent the development of perinatal depression and improve recovery for those already living in the grips of depression.

Almost 600 meals have been delivered in the first six months of the program.

Women like Sharn, a young Brisbane mum who was only eating 1 -2 meals a day so she could afford a place to live. Veronica, an expecting mother suffering anxiety was skipping meals, unable to cope with leaving her apartment. Unfortunately, too many of the mothers being referred to White Cloud Mums have escaped domestic violence to raise their baby in safety.

Or Veronica, an expecting mother suffering from anxiety was skipping meals, as she was unable to cope with grocery shopping or leaving her apartment.

Please consider making a donation to the White Cloud Mums program. As little as $5 can put a meal on the table for a women at risk, $55 will mean the security of 10 meals for a mother in need.

In 2017 and beyond, the aim is to establish the White Cloud Mums program in women’s hospitals in Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Redcliffe, Redlands, and Caboolture but we need your help.